The Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship 2027 is a $20,000 achievement-based college scholarship for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation plans to select 150 students for the national scholarship, with applications due by September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Students searching for major US college scholarships 2027 have an opportunity to apply for one of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation’s nationally recognized scholarship programs. The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application is currently available for eligible high school students preparing to graduate during the 2026–2027 school year.
The program awards $20,000 per selected scholar, making it a significant source of financial support for students planning to pursue higher education in the United States. The scholarship is achievement-based and recognizes students for leadership, service and their commitment to creating meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
Background & Scholarship Description
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is operated by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is designed to recognize outstanding students in their final year of high school.
Rather than being described as a general financial-need scholarship, the program focuses on achievement and the qualities demonstrated through leadership and service. The Foundation states that scholars are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, together with their commitment to making a significant difference in their schools and communities.
For the 2027 scholarship cycle, the application is open to high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year. The stated application deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Foundation says that 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year, with each receiving a $20,000 scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
The major benefit of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the $20,000 college scholarship awarded to each selected scholar.
The Foundation also reports a substantial long-term record. With the addition of the 2026 class, it states that more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide have received more than $90 million in scholarships since the program’s founding in 1986.
The scholarship therefore represents more than a simple application-based financial award. The selection process is designed to identify students demonstrating strong leadership, service and potential for positive impact.
Key Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship |
| 2027 Award | $20,000 |
| Number Selected | 150 students |
| Target Applicants | High school students |
| Graduation Period | 2026–2027 academic year |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Selection Basis | Achievement, leadership and service |
These details are based on the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation information supplied for this article.
Eligibility Requirements
The supplied official information confirms that the 2027 application is intended for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.
The Foundation directs prospective applicants to its eligibility requirements for the complete criteria. Because scholarship eligibility can depend on several specific conditions, applicants should review the official requirements carefully before submitting an application rather than relying solely on summaries published elsewhere.
The Foundation’s FAQ also addresses questions concerning international students, non-traditional students, homeschooling, DACA students, citizenship requirements and other application circumstances.
Application Process
The Coca-Cola Scholars selection process is divided into several stages.
Phase 1: Online Application
The first phase runs from August 3 through September 30 each year. Students currently enrolled in high school who plan to graduate during the current academic year and meet the applicable eligibility requirements can submit the initial application.
An important feature of Phase 1 is that applicants do not need to submit essays, transcripts or recommendations at this stage.
Phase 2: Semifinalists
By the end of October, applicants are notified of their status. Approximately 1% of applicants become Semifinalists.
Those selected as Semifinalists are invited to complete a Phase 2 application in November. This stage includes essays, a transcript and a recommendation.
Phase 3: Regional Finalists
From approximately 1,200 Semifinalists, 250 advance to become Regional Finalists.
These finalists participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff, scheduled for late January or early February.
Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars
Following the interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited in April to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm their selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.
This multi-stage process means applicants should approach the initial application seriously while also preparing for subsequent stages if they advance.
How to Apply
Students interested in the Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship 2027 can access the application through the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation application portal.
The Foundation states that the 2027 application is available for high school students graduating in the 2026–2027 academic year until 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Official application: Coca-Cola Scholars 2027 Application
Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit their application before the published deadline.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation also supports other programs connected to two-year colleges through Phi Theta Kappa.
The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program awards 200 stipends annually across four recipient tiers. The supplied information lists awards of $1,500 for New Century Gold Scholars, $1,250 for Silver Scholars and $1,000 for Bronze Scholars.
Another program, Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise, provides 200 scholarships of $1,000 each to Phi Theta Kappa members enrolled in community colleges.
However, these programs have separate application processes and eligibility requirements, so students should consult the relevant program information before applying.
Why Students Should Prepare Early
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is highly competitive. The Foundation’s published selection process indicates that only about 1% of applicants advance to the Semifinalist stage.
Students should therefore avoid waiting until the final day to begin their application. Early preparation allows applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria, organize their information and ensure that the submitted application accurately reflects their academic, leadership and community-service achievements.
Applicants should also keep copies of important application information and monitor their email after submission because subsequent stages involve notifications and additional materials.
The September 30, 2026 deadline at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time should be treated as the key date for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible high school students graduating in the 2026–2027 academic year to compete for a $20,000 college scholarship.
The program places particular emphasis on achievement, leadership, service and community impact. With 150 scholars selected annually, applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements and approach the application process with attention to detail.
Students interested in applying should use the official application portal and verify all requirements directly with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation before submitting their application.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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